Prediction of the behaviour of light in light pipes for LCD instrument clusters

Liquid Crystal Displays are commonly used in automotive dashboards. The back lighting necessary for a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) can be achieved by the use of a light source and a light box, light pipe, or a diffusing screen. The space constraints of an automobile dashboard often mean that the light pipe is the most suitable method of illumination. At present an optimum design for the light pipe is obtained by a "Cut and Try" approach in which several light pipes are usually moulded and tested before a satisfactory candidate is found. This thesis reports on experimental and theoretical work to improve the legibility and readability of 'on' and 'off' segments of liquid crystal displays and to automate the design of the light pipes using Computer-Aided Design. [Continues.]